Chiropractor or physio? An honest guide
Lots of people in Hendon search for a chiropractor when their back, neck or knee hurts. Both professions are regulated and can help. Here is a fair explanation of the differences, so you can choose what suits you.
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Quick answer: Chiropractors and physiotherapists are both regulated health professionals in the UK. Chiropractors focus mainly on the spine and often use spinal manipulation. Physiotherapists treat the whole musculoskeletal system and combine hands-on treatment with exercise rehabilitation, which guidelines recommend as the core treatment for most back, neck and joint pain. BOOST PHYSIO Hendon is at 16 Parson Street, NW4 1QB.
The key differences
| Regulator | Physiotherapists: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Chiropractors: General Chiropractic Council (GCC) |
|---|---|
| Main focus | Physio: muscles, joints, tendons and nerves throughout the body, plus rehab after surgery. Chiropractic: mainly the spine and its effect on the body |
| Typical treatment | Physio: assessment, hands-on treatment, exercise rehab, education, and acupuncture or shockwave where suitable. Chiropractic: often spinal manipulation and adjustments, sometimes with exercise |
| Where they work | Physios work in the NHS, private clinics and sport. Chiropractors mostly work privately |
| Insurance | Both are covered by many private health insurers; check your policy |
Neither profession is right for everyone. Some people love the hands-on, adjustment-based approach of a chiropractor. Others prefer a physio who focuses on finding the cause, then building strength and movement so the problem is less likely to return.
At BOOST PHYSIO we are physiotherapists. We do use hands-on treatment such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue work, but always alongside a plan you can follow yourself, because that is what the evidence supports for lasting results.
Hands-on physiotherapy at our Hendon clinic
Book a physio assessment in Hendon
No GP referral needed. Book online, call us or send a WhatsApp.
What the guidelines say
- For low back pain and sciatica, NICE recommends exercise as the first treatment, with manual therapy (such as manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue work) only as part of a package that includes exercise
- For neck pain, exercise for the neck, shoulders and upper back is one of the best-supported treatments
- For knee, hip and shoulder pain, strengthening exercise is the foundation of recovery
- Scans are rarely needed for back or neck pain without red flag symptoms
Exercise
first: NICE recommends exercise for low back pain, with manual therapy only alongside it
NICE NG59
HCPC
regulates physiotherapists; the GCC regulates chiropractors
hcpc-uk.org; gcc-uk.org
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Which should you choose?
Back or neck pain
Either can help
Look for a clinician who explains what is going on and gives you a plan to stay well, not only treatment on the couch.
Knee, hip, shoulder, ankle pain
Physio is usually the better fit
Physios treat every joint and specialise in strength-based rehab.
After surgery
Physio
Rehab after joint replacement, ACL or shoulder surgery is a core part of physiotherapy.
Sports injuries
Physio
From first aid to return to sport testing.
Whoever you see, ask them three things: what is causing my pain, what can I do myself, and how will we know I am getting better?
See a doctor urgently if you have
- Numbness around the groin or back passage, or new bladder or bowel problems with back pain
- Weakness or numbness in both legs or both arms
- Back or neck pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- Pain after a significant accident or fall
Meet your Hendon physios
Michael English
Specialist Physiotherapist
Michael was Lead Academy Physio at Brentford FC and now treats patients at our Hendon and Mill Hill clinics, from sports injuries to everyday aches and pains.
Aaran Purwaha-Sidhu
Senior Physiotherapist
Aaran treats knee, shoulder and back pain in Hendon and uses shockwave and acupuncture alongside exercise rehab where they are a good fit.
Sarah Shamia
Senior Physiotherapist
Sarah helps Hendon patients with persistent pain, sports injuries and recovery after surgery, taking time to understand the whole picture.
Micki Hammond
Senior Physiotherapist
Micki treats sports injuries and back pain in Hendon and has a particular interest in rehab after hip and knee surgery.
Soma Fershi
Chartered Physiotherapist
Soma treats sports and gym injuries at our Hendon and Hampstead Garden Suburb clinics, with a strong focus on getting you back to training safely.
What our Hendon patients say
★★★★★
“She is empathetic and delivered my shockwave treatment very well.”
★★★★★
“Micki is a magician she has literally helped me from my neck to my foot.”
★★★★★
“She properly assessed my injury rather than defaulting to generic exercises, and adjusted my plan as I progressed.”
Watch: physiotherapy in Hendon
Meet some of our Hendon physios.
Physiotherapy in Hendon NW4 with Sarah Shamia
Micki Hammond, physio in Hendon NW4
Expert physiotherapy treatment in Hendon NW4
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Hendon you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Prefer another clinic? Book at BOOST PHYSIO Hampstead Garden Suburb, Mill Hill or East Finchley, or read more about our Hendon clinic.
See a physio in Hendon
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Hendon, 16 Parson Street, NW4.
Related reading
Back pain physio
Neck pain physio
Slipped disc and sciaticaDo I need an MRI scan for back pain?Knee pain and ACL rehab in HendonNeck pain in HendonYour questions answered
Is a chiropractor or physio better for back pain?
Both can help. Guidelines recommend exercise as the core treatment for back pain, with hands-on treatment as part of a wider package. Physios combine both as standard.
Do physios crack backs?
Some physios use manipulation where it is appropriate, but most hands-on physio treatment uses gentler joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques alongside exercise.
Are physios and chiropractors regulated?
Yes. Physiotherapists are regulated by the HCPC and chiropractors by the General Chiropractic Council.
Does BOOST PHYSIO offer chiropractic?
No. We are physiotherapists. We offer hands-on treatment, exercise rehab, acupuncture and, at Hendon, shockwave therapy.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Bring your authorisation code to your first appointment.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Michael English, Aaran Purwaha-Sidhu, Sarah Shamia, Micki Hammond and Soma Fershi at BOOST PHYSIO Hendon. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- NICE guideline NG59. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. 2016, updated 2020.
- Health and Care Professions Council. Physiotherapists. hcpc-uk.org.
- General Chiropractic Council. What is chiropractic? gcc-uk.org.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
